FOREST Green goalkeeping coach Kevin Phillips insists Adam McHugh and Paul White are more than capable of making a fighting fist for the keeper's gloves.

First-choice keeper Sam Russell and understudy Matt Bulman have proved to be unmovable, but the arrival of the young pretenders adds to the competition for places at the New Lawn.

Englishman McHugh, 21, was released by Hartlepool United at the end of last season and is recovering from a broken hand - sustained at training last month.

He joined Hartlepool after leaving Scottish side St Mirren in the summer of 2012 after coming through the Saints ranks.

He spent time on loan at Forfar during the 2011/12 season and made six first-team appearances.

Former Republic of Ireland Under-18 Boys Schools international White, 18, has joined from League of Ireland side Cork City.

Phillips said: "Adam has a presence and a maturity for a young goalkeeper, he came in on trial during pre-season and impressed us on-and-off the field, he has all the attributes needed to be a top goalkeeper and just needs to fulfil his potential now.

"Paul has a fantastic work ethic and is extremely keen to learn and improve. When I first spoke to him and offered him a trial it was around 4pm on a Friday and within two hours he had booked his flights and was contacting me to say he'd be in on the Monday and ready to go.

"He possesses all the qualities we look for in a young goalkeeper and is a player with huge potential and has the chance to train full-time and prove himself as competition for our more senior lads."